pencil whip
English
Etymology
(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Pronunciation
Audio (AU): (file)
Verb
pencil whip (third-person singular simple present pencil whips, present participle pencil whipping, simple past and past participle pencil whipped)
- (idiomatic) To approve a document without actually knowing or reviewing what it is that is being approved.
- (idiomatic) To complete a form, record, or document without having performed the implied work or without supporting data or evidence.
- Knowing the auditors were coming in just a week, we chose to pencil whip the quarterly inventory forms for the last year.
Usage notes
This term is popular among military personnel and auditors. The term in British and US nautical circles is "gundeck", -ed, -ing.
Synonyms
- rubber stamp (meaning 1)